Black Dog Hill

Discover a sparkling pour on hills where a legendary canine namesake keeps watch.

https://www.blackdoghill.co.uk/

Black Dog Hill Vineyard, 17-19 High Street, Ditchling, BN6 8XG Get directions

Nearest station: Hassocks (1.5 miles).
Approx walking time: 32 minutes.

Private tours

Tasting room

Award-winning

Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Nestled at the foot of Ditchling Beacon within the South Downs National Park, Black Dog Hill Vineyard offers an authentic, family-run experience. It’s a place where three generations are deeply connected to the land, reflecting a genuine passion for winemaking and the unique terroir.

Visiting information

Black Dog Hill Vineyard is a boutique operation that values a personal touch.Tours & Tastings: While the vineyard itself is not generally open for public walk-in tours, private visits and tastings can be arranged by appointment. Please contact them directly to book your visit.

Cellar Door: Black Dog Hill operates a charming cellar door shop on the High Street in Ditchling Village, separate from the vineyard site. Here, you can pop in during opening hours to purchase their sparkling wines and gifts.

Accessibility: The vineyard is dog-friendly, though it's always advisable to confirm policies for tours if bringing pets.

On-site Facilities: There is no restaurant or café directly at the vineyard or cellar door.

The Wine

Black Dog Hill is dedicated to producing exceptional vintage English sparkling wines. They cultivate the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, all grown on their chalky Sussex soils. These grapes are carefully selected to achieve the perfect balance and fruit characteristics for their sparkling range.

Their portfolio includes a Classic Cuvée, a Blanc de Blancs (made from 100% Chardonnay), and a Rosé, each offering a distinct expression of their terroir. The winemaking process is closely overseen by acclaimed winemaker Dermot Sugrue, ensuring meticulous control from grape to bottle.

Black Dog Hill's commitment to quality is evident in their numerous accolades. Their very first release, the 2011 Classic Cuvée, set a high standard by winning a coveted Gold award from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), a Silver from the prestigious Decanter competition, and a Bronze at the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

The family behind Black Dog Hill is committed to sustainable practices, focusing on preserving the natural beauty of the South Downs and enhancing the health of their land.

Getting here

Black Dog Hill Vineyard is located near Ditchling Beacon, with its cellar door shop in Ditchling village, East Sussex.

By Car: The vineyard and village are easily accessible by car, situated just a short distance north of Brighton and within the South Downs National Park. The cellar door address is 17-19 High Street, Ditchling, BN6 8XG.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Hassocks, which is approximately a 5-10 minute taxi ride or a scenic 30-40 minute walk to Ditchling village.

What's nearby

Discover more of what the beautiful Sussex countryside has to offer:

Other Vineyards:
- Court Garden Vineyard (Ditchling)
- Ridgeview Wine Estate (Ditchling)
Notable Restaurants:
- etch. (Brighton) - A Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern British tasting menus.
- The White Horse (Ditchling) - A traditional village pub offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
Notable Hotels:
- Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa (Cuckfield) - A historic manor house with a luxury spa set in beautiful gardens.
- Artist Residence Brighton (Brighton) - A quirky boutique hotel known for its unique design and vibrant atmosphere.
Notable Attractions:
- Ditchling Beacon - An iconic chalky hill and a popular spot for walks with panoramic views across the South Downs.
- Royal Pavilion (Brighton) - An exotically designed former royal residence, a truly unique piece of architecture.